You Gotta Be Born Again
Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, His Word.
Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!
You Gotta Be Born Again
“Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” John 3:4 ESV
When my daughter was born, Lordy I remember it like it was yesterday. My doctor was Gaylon L. Daigle. He delivered babies on every Wednesday. I am not sure what that was all about, but every time I went for my appointment, he either was delivering a baby, had delivered already, or getting ready to deliver a baby. Believe it or not, I was no exception to that rule. My daughter was born on Wednesday, June 23, 1999, at 6:57pm, 7oz 4pound and eighteen inches long. So many memories leading up to her birth. When she was finally resting in my arms, I felt an indescribable feeling of joy as I thanked God for her. As I looked down into her beautiful peaceful face as she slept, I thought to myself, “this is what unconditional love looks and feels like.”
The only music playing at the dinner table was “Barney’s Greatest Hits.” Let’s me see if I can remember the words to that Barney song: “I love you, you love me, we’re a happy family, with a great big hug, and a kiss from me to you, won’t you say you love me too.” A bib was everywhere in the house, in the car, and at grandma and great-grandma’s house. Cold teething rings in the refrigerator, sippy cups in every color, she had her favorites. Baby wipes took the place of napkins. I can’t forget about my Trusty dusty fold down stroller which was a must as we stayed on the go. Oh yes, my multifunctional diaper bag, also known as “my purse.”
The classic passage in the Book of John answers this question of what it means to be born again. Nicodemus, whose name means “victory of the people,” was a prominent Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin (the ruling body of the Jews). He had come to Jesus in secret and at night with some questions.
As Jesus talked with Nicodemus, He said, “‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’ ‘How can a man be born when he is old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, “You must be born again.” (John 3:3–7). The phrase translated “born again” can also be translated as “born from above.”
Why does a person need to be born again? So, we can have eternal life. When we are not born again, we are separated from God. How does the new birth come to be? By our action of acceptance, as we choose Jesus Christ as our Lord and personal Savior. Ephesians chapter two reminds us that by grace we have been saved, through faith, not from ourselves, but the gift of God. Jesus paid the penalty of sin when he died on the cross. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.